Sushi Rice: Cook rice according to package directions to end up with 2 cups cooked rice. Typically, this is 1 cup uncooked rice 1 cup water equals 2 cups cooked rice.

While the rice is cooking make sushi dressing. Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a glass bowl or Pyrex measuring cup. Microwave at 50% Power for 30 seconds, stir after 15 seconds. Set aside. Or heat it on the stove over medium-low heat. The goal is to melt the sugar.

Using a wooden spoon, spread cooked rice on a large baking sheet. Drizzle sushi dressing over warm rice (warm rice absorbs the dressing better), stirring gently with wooden spoon to distribute but not smash or compact the rice. Scoop rice into a large bowl. Cover rice with a damp cloth or paper towel until ready to use.  This rice is sticky, dipping your hands in cool water helps prevent those little grains from sticking.

Cook’s Note: This could be done a day or two ahead of time.

Spicy Beef Seasoning Mix together fish sauce, chile garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and ginger, set aside.

Spicy Beef In a large skillet, over medium heat, add oil and ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break up meat and spread out in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, 4-5 minutes, until bottom is crusty and browned. Turn meat over. Cook 4-5 minutes. You want chunks of crispy meat. Drain fat. Add Spicy Beef Seasoning (chile garlic mixture), lower heat, cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make Spicy Beef Sushi Bowl Dressing. While beef is cooking, combine rice vinegar, fish sauce, water, and sugar in small glass bowl or measuring cup, heat in microwave for 30 seconds, stir. The goal is to melt the sugar, so you may need 10 seconds more. Set aside.

To toast sesame seeds, heat in skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, until some the seeds pop and they smell toasty.

Assemble bowl: Layer in a bowl, sushi rice, spicy beef, cucumber, red pepper, jalapeno, fresh herbs. Drizzle with Spicy Beef Sushi Bowl Dressing. Sprinkle on sesame seeds.